Invention of Subway Network Maps

Year: 1931
Place: London, UK

The Story:

London has a subway network called London Underground. It has a very long history and has been operating since 1863.
At first, an ordinary map was used to display the network since it was simple enough. However, the map became increasingly more difficult to understand as the network grew more complex. A solution to this problem was found by Harry Beck in 1932. He made an infographic map of the network with only three types of lines: horizontal, vertical, and 45 degrees diagonal.

old network map	Beck's new network map
	(Click to enlarge)

The Significance

What makes the network map of London Underground so revolutionary?

■Its focus is on functionality

What passengers truly wanted was no exact geographical location but rather routes to their destinations. Since Beck’s map was drawn with straight lines only, it became easier to look at and therefore passengers were able to find their destinations easier.

■It has essential elements only

For passengers, information about the ground above them is of no importance. By removing descriptions of landmarks, the map was made simpler.
This subway network map made by Beck influenced how maps were designed all over the world. The infographic method established by Beck has become a standard for subway network maps today.